Wet weather prompts easing of July 4 fireworks restrictions

Some of the traditional fireworks restrictions put in place in Logan for the July 4 holiday will be eased this year thanks to the valley’s wet spring, but Logan’s Fire Chief still is advising residents to practice responsible use of fireworks this week.In past years, Logan fire officials have restricted the use of fireworks in certain areas of town, namely the east bench areas of Hillcrest and Cliffside. Logan Fire Chief Mark Meaker said Monday those restrictions won’t be in place this weekend, however, though the fire department will re-evaluate the policy for the July 24 holiday.Still, Meaker said, residents should practice safe and responsible use of legal fireworks, only use the fireworks during the legal time period, and not use illegal fireworks bought from out of state.”In the state of Utah it is legal to fire off personal fireworks three days before July 4 and three days before July 24 and then three days after as well,” Meaker said. “There’s kind of a six-day window there surrounding those two holidays.”Certain fireworks are not legal at all, however, and those include bottle rockets, any other firecracker that leaves the ground, or any fireworks that explode.Meaker said an easy way to tell whether fireworks are legal for use in Utah is to just buy them from a stand in Utah or check to see if they have the California State Fire Marshal’s seal of approval on them. In the case that anyone is caught using fireworks outside the allowed time period, or is using illegal fireworks, Meaker said a fire officer and a police officer would be dispatched to contact the individual and may issue a citation given the circumstances. While some first-time offenders may get off with just a warning, Meaker advised it would be best to avoid a confrontation with law enforcement with responsible, legal firework use.Also, residents with children should ensure that safe use of fireworks is being practiced. Children should always have adult supervision when operating fireworks, and no one under the age of 16 is legally allowed to purchase fireworks.

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